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Dusky Sound
in New Zealand

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New Zealand

Dusky Sound

Dusky Sound is a large and complex fiord located on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is the second largest fiord in the country and is part of the Fiordland National Park.

The fiord stretches for more than 40 kilometres and is surrounded by steep, forested sides that reach up to 1,500 metres in height. It is home to numerous islands, bays, and coves and is fed by several rivers including the Wairaurahiri, Waitutu, and Tuatapere.

The area was first discovered by Europeans in 1773 when Captain James Cook sailed into the sound and named it after his friend and colleague, John Dusky. Cook was the first European to circumnavigate New Zealand and mapped much of the country's coastline during his voyage.

In the late 19th century, Dusky Sound became an important hub for whaling and sealing operations. Over the years, the sound has been visited by a number of famous explorers, including Charles Darwin and Robert Falcon Scott.

Today, Dusky Sound is a popular destination for tourists. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty and is home to a variety of wildlife, including fur seals, dolphins, and penguins. The sound is also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and sailing.

In 1990, Dusky Sound was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This designation was made in recognition of the area's unique natural and cultural significance.

Excursion tips for a day in Dusky Sound

As a tourist in Dusky Sound, New Zealand, you can enjoy a day of exploration and adventure in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in the world. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy on a day trip to Dusky Sound:

1. Take a boat tour of the sound and its many islands, coves and inlets.
2. Spot some of the local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and penguins.
3. Go fishing for trout and salmon.
4. Take a guided hike through the pristine landscape, which is home to some of the world’s rarest plants and birds.
5. Visit the historic Dusky Sound Whaling Station.
6. Take a kayak tour of the sound’s many bays and coves.
7. Go swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the sound.
8. Explore the many secluded beaches and coves.
9. Take a scenic helicopter tour of the sound and its many islands.
10. Visit the nearby Te Whakaraupo/Port Pegasus.

 

to business owners in Dusky Sound

Experience Dusky Sound with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Dusky Sound. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Dusky Sound

Dusky Sound in New Zealand experiences a maritime climate, with mild temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year. In the summer months (December to February), temperatures range from 10-20°C and rainfall is at its highest, with up to 200mm per month. Autumn (March to May) is slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from 8-18°C and rainfall decreasing to around 100mm per month. Winter (June to August) is the coolest season, with temperatures ranging from 4-14°C and rainfall still averaging around 100mm per month. Finally, spring (September to November) brings mild temperatures and increasing rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 6-16°C and rainfall reaching up to 200mm per month.

Cruise weather for Dusky Sound

Our weather forecast for Dusky Sound helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Date Icon Temperature Wind speed/gusts Cloudiness/Visibility Air humidity/pressure Sunrise/Sunset
Apr. 14th 2025 Apr. 14th 2025 max: 15.0 °C
min: 9.4 °C 		56.9 m/s
76.0 m/s		 83.9 %
13.8 m		 84.4 %
1,019 hPa		 07:28:22
18:19:39
Apr. 15th 2025 Apr. 15th 2025 max: 13.9 °C
min: 7.7 °C 		33.1 m/s
42.1 m/s		 0.4 %
24.1 m		 59.3 %
1,028 hPa		 07:29:39
18:17:53
Apr. 16th 2025 Apr. 16th 2025 max: 14.5 °C
min: 9.3 °C 		14.4 m/s
14.0 m/s		 1.2 %
24.1 m		 52.8 %
1,028 hPa		 07:30:56
18:16:08
Apr. 17th 2025 Apr. 17th 2025 max: 14.0 °C
min: 12.2 °C 		15.8 m/s
17.6 m/s		 99.1 %
23.4 m		 65.9 %
1,015 hPa		 07:32:13
18:14:23
Apr. 18th 2025 Apr. 18th 2025 max: 14.7 °C
min: 12.6 °C 		18.0 m/s
20.5 m/s		 100.0 %
20.3 m		 78.4 %
1,001 hPa		 07:33:30
18:12:40
Apr. 19th 2025 Apr. 19th 2025 max: 14.8 °C
min: 11.8 °C 		24.5 m/s
33.5 m/s		 96.2 %
21.8 m		 86.8 %
999 hPa		 07:34:47
18:10:57
Apr. 20th 2025 Apr. 20th 2025 max: 12.0 °C
min: 10.7 °C 		33.1 m/s
40.3 m/s		 94.6 %
19.2 m		 76.4 %
1,009 hPa		 07:36:04
18:09:15
Apr. 21st 2025 Apr. 21st 2025 max: 11.7 °C
min: 10.4 °C 		33.8 m/s
40.7 m/s		 100.0 %
21.4 m		 72.0 %
1,020 hPa		 07:37:20
18:07:34
Apr. 22nd 2025 Apr. 22nd 2025 max: 12.6 °C
min: 11 °C 		22.3 m/s
25.2 m/s		 17.2 %
24.1 m		 68.4 %
1,027 hPa		 07:38:37
18:05:54
Apr. 23rd 2025 Apr. 23rd 2025 max: 14.1 °C
min: 11.1 °C 		51.5 m/s
68.8 m/s		 38.4 %
23.7 m		 79.2 %
1,027 hPa		 07:39:54
18:04:16
Apr. 24th 2025 Apr. 24th 2025 max: 14.4 °C
min: 13.6 °C 		54.4 m/s
70.2 m/s		 99.5 %
22.9 m		 76.6 %
1,024 hPa		 07:41:10
18:02:38
Apr. 25th 2025 Apr. 25th 2025 max: 15.2 °C
min: 14.1 °C 		57.6 m/s
77.8 m/s		 77.9 %
24.1 m		 70.9 %
1,019 hPa		 07:42:26
18:01:01
Apr. 26th 2025 Apr. 26th 2025 max: 15.3 °C
min: 13.1 °C 		50.0 m/s
70.6 m/s		 95.0 %
19.2 m		 81.5 %
1,017 hPa		 07:43:43
17:59:25
Apr. 27th 2025 Apr. 27th 2025 max: 14.8 °C
min: 13.2 °C 		40.0 m/s
56.9 m/s		 95.5 %
11.8 m		 89.5 %
1,016 hPa		 07:44:59
17:57:50

Cruises to Dusky Sound

Would you like to travel to Dusky Sound on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Dusky Sound.

Scheduled ship calls in Dusky Sound, New Zealand
Date Ship Arrival Departure Details
Nov. 4th 2025 Tuesday, 4th of Nov. 2025 Celebrity Edge 03:30 pm 05:15 pm
Nov. 13th 2025 Thursday, 13th of Nov. 2025 Anthem of the Seas 04:00 pm 05:00 pm
Nov. 21st 2025 Friday, 21st of Nov. 2025 Celebrity Edge 03:30 pm 05:15 pm
Dec. 3rd 2025 Wednesday, 3rd of Dec. 2025 Celebrity Edge 03:30 pm 05:15 pm
Dec. 13th 2025 Saturday, 13th of Dec. 2025 Scenic Eclipse II 12:00 am 12:00 am
Dec. 25th 2025 Thursday, 25th of Dec. 2025 Anthem of the Seas 08:00 am 09:00 am
Dec. 27th 2025 Saturday, 27th of Dec. 2025 Norwegian Spirit 12:00 am 12:00 am
Dec. 31st 2025 Wednesday, 31st of Dec. 2025 LE SOLEAL 12:00 am 12:00 am
Jan. 2nd 2026 Friday, 2nd of Jan. 2026 Celebrity Edge 08:30 am 10:15 am
Jan. 10th 2026 Saturday, 10th of Jan. 2026 Norwegian Spirit 12:00 am 12:00 am
Jan. 14th 2026 Wednesday, 14th of Jan. 2026 LE SOLEAL 12:00 am 12:00 am
Jan. 22nd 2026 Thursday, 22nd of Jan. 2026 Norwegian Spirit 12:00 am 12:00 am
Feb. 3rd 2026 Tuesday, 3rd of Feb. 2026 Anthem of the Seas 08:00 am 09:00 am
Feb. 8th 2026 Sunday, 8th of Feb. 2026 Celebrity Edge 08:30 am 10:15 am
Feb. 15th 2026 Sunday, 15th of Feb. 2026 Norwegian Spirit 12:00 am 12:00 am
Feb. 18th 2026 Wednesday, 18th of Feb. 2026 Anthem of the Seas 04:00 pm 05:00 pm
Feb. 25th 2026 Wednesday, 25th of Feb. 2026 Celebrity Edge 03:30 pm 05:15 pm
Feb. 27th 2026 Friday, 27th of Feb. 2026 Norwegian Spirit 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 11th 2026 Wednesday, 11th of Mar. 2026 Norwegian Spirit 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 23rd 2026 Monday, 23rd of Mar. 2026 Norwegian Spirit 12:00 am 12:00 am
Mar. 26th 2026 Thursday, 26th of Mar. 2026 Celebrity Edge 08:30 am 10:15 am
Mar. 31st 2026 Tuesday, 31st of Mar. 2026 Anthem of the Seas 08:00 am 09:00 am

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Maritime AIS Data Dusky Sound

Other ports within 300km of Dusky Sound

Port Distance
Doubtful Sound in New Zealand 58,22 km
Thompson Sound in New Zealand 65,46 km
Fiordland National Park in New Zealand 67,68 km
Milford Sound in New Zealand 162,45 km
Stewart Island in New Zealand 169,67 km
Bluff - Invercargill in New Zealand 171,83 km
Oban in New Zealand 180,19 km
Ulva Island in New Zealand 182,94 km
Queenstown in New Zealand 185,21 km
Snares Islands in New Zealand 257,77 km
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